Chapter 6

RACHAEL'S POV

    

Athena's eyes blazed with anger, having overheard our conversation about the moon goddess choosing a mate for Alpha Axel. Athena's presence was commanding, her fiery spirit evident in every step she took.

The queen approached Athena, her gaze steady and unwavering. With a firm yet gentle touch, the queen held Athena's chin, forcing her to meet her eyes. "Athena, my dear, you must calm yourself," she said, her voice filled with a mix of authority and compassion. "Even if you won't be my daughter, you will always hold a special place in my heart."

Athena's anger flickered, momentarily replaced by confusion and hurt. She looked into the queen's eyes, searching for answers, before finally relenting. "But why, Mother? Why have you chosen someone else?" she asked, her voice laced with vulnerability.

The queen's grip on Athena's chin softened, and she placed a tender hand on her cheek. "My sweet Athena, the moon goddess's choice is not something we can control," she explained, her voice filled with a mother's love. "Alpha Axel's mate is a matter of destiny, and we must trust in the path laid out for us."

With a sigh, Athena nodded, her anger increasing further she knew the queen spoke the truth, even if it pained her heart. "I understand, Mother," she whispered, her voice filled with a mix of acceptance and resignation.

The queen then turned to me, her eyes filled with determination. She took my hand in hers, a gesture of trust and support. "Come, my dear," she said, leading me out of the library and through the grand hallway of the palace. We walked in silence until we reached a massive room, adorned with luxurious furnishings. It was the queen's bedroom.

She held my hand tightly, her touch comforting and reassuring, as she led me into her walk in closet. The room was filled with an array of elegant gowns, shimmering jewelry, and delicate accessories. 

I opened the door to my lavishly decorated room in which the queen assigned me, my heart racing with excitement and disbelief. Davina, my best friend and confidante, stood beside me, her eyes wide with shock as we took in the sight before us. The room was overflowing with an array of exquisite clothes, shimmering jewelry, and luxurious accessories, all gifts from the queen herself.

Just as we were admiring the  treasures ``let me in you piece of trash" a piercing shriek echoed through the corridor, instantly recognizable as Kora's voice. In an instant, both Davina and I darted towards the door to see what was happening. As we reached the entrance, we were met with a startling scene.

Kora, accompanied by her minions, stood angrily in front of the doorway, her face twisted with rage. The guard assigned by the queen to protect me stood firmly, refusing to allow her entry. Kora's eyes locked onto mine, and with a malicious sneer, she lunged towards me, aiming to grab hold of my hair. Before she could reach me, however, the guard swiftly intercepted, gripping her hands tightly.

Fuming with anger, Kora spat out her words, "How could you be chosen as the alpha's mate with your ugly face"

 I chose not to give her  a response, but it was Davina who spoke up bravely in my defense.

  " Kora you and your stupid friends are the ugly ones because of your  own ugly  heart that made all of you truly unattractive." She rebuked Kora,Davina warned Kora and her minions to leave before the queen discovered their ill intentions towards me.

Enraged, Kora and her entourage begrudgingly retreated from the scene, their venomous resentments still lingering in the air. Once they were gone, I turned to Davina, overwhelming gratitude welling up inside me. "Thank you  for always being there for me, supporting me in moments like these" We embraced tightly, both of us feeling the immense relief that came with knowing I would soon be free from the clutches of that poisonous household.

As we reentered my room, a gentle knock on the door interrupted our much-needed moment of solace. One of the palace maids stood outside, informing me that the queen desired my presence in the garden within the hour. She instructed me to freshen up and meet her there.

Davina and I exchanged knowing glances, realizing that this meeting could usher in a new chapter in my life. With renewed determination, I prepared myself, slipping into one of the queen's beautifully crafted gifts.

As I made my way to the garden, my gown trailing closely behind, a mixture of nerves and excitement filled me. I knew that whatever awaited me in the garden, it would be a turning point in my journey.  In the center of the garden, I spotted a small round table adorned with a delicate lace tablecloth. Seated at the table were the queen and Alpha Axel, engaged in a quiet conversation over a steaming pot of tea.

As I approached the table, I couldn't help but notice the disdainful look on Alpha Axel's face. His piercing blue eyes narrowed, clearly displeased by my presence. Ignoring his icy glare, I continued towards the table, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

Just as I reached the table, Athena so confident  brushed past me, her shoulder lightly colliding with mine. She shot me a mischievous glance, her eyes daring me to challenge her. With a sly smile, she whispered, "Watch where that ugly face of yours is going," before swiftly taking a seat beside Alpha Axel, who was supposed to be my mate.

Feeling a pang of hurt, I took the last available seat next to the queen. She turned her warm gaze towards me, her eyes filled with kindness and understanding. With a gentle touch, she fondly tapped my hands, a reassuring gesture that instantly eased my unease.

With a smile, the queen began to speak, her voice carrying a regal tone. "The three of you have been chosen for a great task," she announced. "We must find three ancient artifacts to save our kind from an impending danger."

Before the queen could continue, Athena interrupted, her voice laced with arrogance. "We don't need her," she declared, gesturing towards herself and Alpha Axel. "We have experience with these sorts of things."

The queen's expression remained calm but firm. "Experience alone is not enough," she replied. "We will embark on a two-week training journey, starting tomorrow. Each of you has a vital role to play in this quest."

Athena's defiance wavered for a moment as she realized the queen's determination. She exchanged a quick glance with Alpha Axel, who remained silent, his eyes fixed on the table. Reluctantly, Athena nodded, accepting the queen's decision.

With a final nod, the queen dismissed us, signaling the end of the meeting. As we dispersed, I couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and apprehension. Tomorrow, our journey would begin, and the fate of our kind rested in our hands.

I rose from my seat, my heart heavy with the weight of the queen's words as I made their way towards the exit. My steps measured and deliberate.

Just as I reached the entrance, a voice, deep and enchanting, resonated through the hall. "Rachael."

I froze in my tracks, my heart skipping a beat. The voice belonged to Alpha Axel. I turned slowly, I met his intense gaze. His piercing blue eyes seemed to hold a secret.